STARTING WELL GETS RUUD'S HOPES UP

Norwegian claims first win over Alcaraz, boosting odds of reaching last four of Finals

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TURIN - Casper Ruud eased to a straight-set victory over Carlos Alcaraz on November 11 as the Spanish star's bid for a maiden ATP Finals title got off to a poor start.

The Norwegian romped through the opening set before fighting back from 2-5 down in the second to win 6-1, 7-5 in Turin, Italy.

World No. 3 Alcaraz, who won the French Open and Wimbledon titles earlier in 2024, made 34 unforced errors in an uncharacteristically errant display.

It was Ruud's first victory over Alcaraz in their five career meetings.

"I had two good times in Turin before. This part of the season has not been good for me but, hopefully, I've saved some wins for this week and I've started well," said 2022 runner-up Ruud, who had suffered seven defeats in eight matches before this tournament.

The 25-year-old will head into his second match in the John Newcombe group against Andrey Rublev on November 13 already well placed to reach the semi-finals for the third time in as many appearances at the year-end event.